| 2.21.23

Crews Continue Restoration Efforts as Winter Storms Linger

Repairs and Restorations in Some Areas Impacted By Access Challenges

UPDATE: March 5, 10 a.m.

Another cold winter storm has moved into PG&E’s service area and is expected to linger through Wednesday. The storm will bring with it rain and breezy conditions throughout Northern and Central California as well as more low-elevation snow in the northern mountains and Sierra.

As of Sunday morning, there were about 20,000 customer outages, the majority in Nevada, El Dorado, Madera, Mendocino and Placer counties. Longer-duration customer outages are largely due to the inability of crews to safely access areas due to excess snow accumulation, downed trees and blocked roads.

Since Feb. 21, when this latest series of storms began, PG&E has restored power to 1.5 million customers — 76% in less than 12 hours.

On Sunday, there are 485 crews, with support from 10 helicopters and four drone teams. Many of the ground crews have been working around the clock to safely restore power.

PG&E appreciates the patience and understanding of our customers as we continue to do this important work.

PG&E is coordinating with its community-based partners to offer support to customers in need. We partner with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers to offer support for older adults and people with disabilities through the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program, as well as the California Network of 2-1-1 which can connect customers to resources in their local communities.

Customers are encouraged to check out the Outage Map for the latest restoration time estimates.

UPDATE: March 4, 4:30 p.m.

PG&E Crews Provide Aerial Patrol of Damage Assessment in Placer County

In this video, PG&E lineman JT Minto narrates a video of an aerial patrol in Auburn.

https://youtu.be/PKriONe6Oe4

UPDATE: March 4, 12:30 p.m.

PG&E Crews Continue Work in Santa Cruz County

Fallen trees are among the obstacles for PG&E crews responding to outages following storms this past week. In this video, a customer explains the damage on her property in Santa Cruz County.

https://youtu.be/bnOK10NfP0o

UPDATE: March 4, 10 a.m.

A cold winter storm is moving into PG&E’s service area and will linger into mid-week, resulting in rain and breezy conditions systemwide and more low-elevation snowfall for the Humboldt area and northern Sierra.

As of Saturday morning, there were about 23,000 customer outages, the majority in Nevada, Santa Cruz, El Dorado and Tuolumne counties. Many of these are residual outages delayed due to access issues from snow accumulation, downed trees and blocked roads.

Since Feb. 21, PG&E has restored power to nearly 1.5 million customers, 77 percent in fewer than 12 hours.

“We want customers to know that we won’t stop working until every customer is restored. Our crews will keep working day and night, rain, snow or shine — when conditions are safe to do so — until the lights are back on for all customers,” said Eric Lamoureux, PG&E’s deputy incident commander.

On Saturday, there were 485 crews, as well as 11 helicopters and three drone teams, working to assess damage and restore power.

“We appreciate our customers’ continued patience and understanding as we do this important work,” Lamoureux said.

Customers are encouraged to check out the Outage Map for the latest restoration time estimates.

***

UPDATE: March 3, 2 p.m.

As we prepare for another winter storm system expected to pass through Northern and Central California over the weekend, PG&E crews are taking advantage of today’s clear skies to continue making repairs to restore power to customers.

The most impacted area remains Nevada County, where approximately 9,500 customers are without power after receiving heavy snow earlier this week. Pockets of customers in El Dorado County (4,166 customers), Tuolumne County (3,300), Santa Cruz County (3,213 customers), Madera County (2,827 customers) and Placer County (2,216 customers) are also among the roughly 38,000 customers experiencing outages throughout PG&E’s service areas.

Although winter weather has improved toward the end of this week, crews continue working to resolve access issues caused by snow accumulation, downed trees and blocked roads, especially in the higher elevations which have experienced unusually harsh winter weather and heavy snow accumulation.

We want customers to know that we won’t stop working until every customer is restored. Our crews will keep working day and night, rain/snow or shine — when conditions are safe to do so — until the lights are back on for all customers.

PG&E has restored power to more than 1.4 million customers since the series of winter weather systems entered California on Feb. 21.

We appreciate our customers’ continued patience and understanding as we do this important work. Customers are encouraged to check our Outage Map for the latest restoration time estimates.

***

UPDATE: March 3, 10 a.m.

Crews continue working day and night to safely restore customers who lost power as a result of recent storm systems that brought rain, wind and substantial snow accumulation throughout parts of our service areas. Additional winter weather systems forecasted to pass through Northern and Central California this weekend will likely deliver additional precipitation in some areas and heavy snow in the higher elevations.

We will not stop working until we have safely restored the approximately 41,000 customers still without power as a result of the storms. We appreciate our customers’ continued patience and understanding as we work closely with local and state agencies to resolve roadway and other access issues that have delayed repairs and restorations. As reported, historic snow levels in some communities in the foothills and the Sierra Nevada have resulted in downed trees and blocked roads.

For PG&E’s Stockton and Yosemite Divisions (San Joaquin, Amador, Calaveras, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced, Mariposa, Madera counties) and part of Fresno County, we hope to have power restored to customers on or before Saturday, March 4*.

For customers out of power in our Sierra Division (El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Yuba counties) and the eastern half of Sutter County, we hope to have power restored by or before Wednesday, March 8*.

* As access issues are resolved some customers may have their power restored earlier. Customers are encouraged to check our Outage Map for the latest restoration time estimates.

PG&E has restored power to more than 1.4 million customers since the series of winter weather systems entered California on Feb. 21.

Crews are working day and night in these storm conditions to make repairs and restore outages for customers.

***

UPDATE: March 2, 9 p.m.

We are doing everything we can to safely restore the approximately 40,000 customers still without power as a result of the storms, especially those who live in areas where access is compromised or impossible at this moment. Snow levels reached historic proportions in some communities in the foothills and in the Sierra Nevada. That deep, heavy snow has brought down trees and blocked many roads. The process to restore your service goes from access to our equipment to assessing the level of damage to making repairs and then restoring customers. It all starts with access, which remains difficult in some locations.

That said, it’s so important that our customers who we can’t get to right now hear from us and know we’re fully aware of how much of a hardship it is to be without electricity, especially for multiple days. So, this afternoon, we have posted dates when we’re pretty sure we’ll be able to restore service in the hardest-hit areas. We called these Estimated Time of Restoration, or ETOR. For PG&E’s Stockton and Yosemite Divisions, which include San Joaquin, Amador, Calaveras, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced, Mariposa, Madera counties and a piece of Fresno County, that ETOR is Saturday, March 4. For customers out of power in our Sierra Division -- El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Yuba counties and the eastern half of Sutter County – that ETOR is next Wednesday, March 8. If we have already provided you with an ETOR before the March 4 or March 8 timeline, that’s still our target for repairing and restoring the outage that affects you.

***

UPDATE: March 2, 3:30 p.m.

PG&E Spiderman Swings Into Action to Help Restore Power to Customers

While this piece of equipment technically doesn’t swing, it can climb into action and get to difficult-to-access areas.

Not only does this PG&E Spider Vehicle have the ability to gain access to muddy and rugged terrain not easily traveled by a standard PG&E truck, it can also carry poles, dig holes and set poles. This is just another example of PG&E accessing the latest technology to get power restored for our customers.

https://youtu.be/_0L0xYsZy48

***

UPDATE: March 2, 10:30 a.m.

PG&E Focused on Supporting Customers During Historic Winter Storms

PG&E Providing Enhanced Grab and Go Bags At County Warming Centers To Help Customers Stay Comfortable

PG&E is partnering with cities and counties to provide enhanced grab and go bags that include a heavy quilted comforter and other warming items in addition to water, snacks and a portable cell phone charger. These resources are being made available at select warming centers run by local government agencies.

PG&E is also coordinating with its community-based partners to offer support to customers in need. We partner with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers to offer support for older adults and people with disabilities through the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program.

In addition, PG&E works closely with the California Network of 2-1-1 to connect customers to resources in their local communities, as well as with PG&E resources and other local programs that can provide assistance in times of critical need.

We have set up twelve PG&E staging areas in-order-to position crews and equipment so they can respond to the hardest hit areas safely, and as quickly as possible.

Central Valley Warming Centers

There are five warming centers open in the Central Valley.

Tuolumne County
Behavioral Health Enrichment Center at 101 Hospital Road, Sonora, CA 95370. Open Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 12:00pm (w/extended hours Wed, Thurs, Fri if staffing allows).

Mariposa County
Mariposa Senior Center at 5246 Spriggs Lane, Mariposa, CA 95338. Open daily, 9:00am - 6:00pm.

Madera County
Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church at 39696 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644. Open daily, 6:00pm – Overnight
- Oakhurst Community Center at 3900 Road 425B (Fresno Flats Rd), Oakhurst, CA 93614. Operating hours 9:00am-6:00pm.
Kern County
- Pine Mountain Clubhouse at 2524 Beechwood Way, Pine Mountain Club 93222. Open 0900-1700 through 3/1/23.

Lake County Warming Centers

There are six warming centers in Lake County available to support vulnerable customers:

Habematolel Community Center at 9470 Main Street, Upper Lake, CA 95485
Lucerne Alpine Senior Center at 3985 Country Club Drive, Lucerne, CA 95458
Little Red Schoolhouse at 15780 Bottle Rock Road, Cobb, CA 95426

Lower Lake Town Hall at 16195 Main Street Lower Lake, CA, 95457
Old Juvenile Detention Facility at 1111 Whalen Way, Lakeport, CA 95453
Middletown Senior Center at 21256 Washington Street, Middletown, CA 95461

Bay Area Warming Centers

There are 13 warming centers open in the bay area:

Central Park Library at 2635 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Community Recreation Center at 969 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Santa Clara Senior Center at 1303 Fremont Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Mission Branch Library at 1098 Lexington Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Saratoga Library at 13650 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070.
Sunnyvale Library at 665 W. Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.
Cupertino Library at 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014
Altos Library at 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA 94022
Milpitas Library at 160 N. Main St. Milpitas, CA 95035

Gilroy Library at 350 W. 6th Street, Gilroy, CA 95020
Morgan Hill Library at 660 W. Main Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building at 215 E. Beach Street, Watsonville, CA 95076. Open Daily 2000-0800.
Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Center at 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Open daily 2000-0800.

San Luis Obispo County Warming Centers

South County Regional Center at 800 West Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420.
Prado HSC Warming Center at 40 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
Paso Robles Plymouth Congregational Church, 1301 Oak Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.

Nevada County Warming Centers

GV Veterans Memorial Hall at 255 South Auburn Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945.

***

UPDATE: March 1, 11:15 p.m.

Our crews are doing everything possible to bring power back to the hardest hit communities. Presently, there are approximately 66k customers without power and Nevada, El Dorado, Tuolumne and Madera counties account for more than half of the outage total. Many of those customers are still without an estimated time of restoration, largely due to extensive damage and related access issues. Madera County will see more than 70% of customers restored by Saturday, along with a small number of customers across all other counties. We are planning to have a majority of customers with an estimated timeframe identified by Saturday as well. We recognize this is little consolation for those customers experiencing extended outages and promise to do everything we can until every customer is safely restored.

In the video, PG&E Emergency Management and Public Safety Supervisor Patrick Ellis explains the challenges of heavy snow and its impact on trees and power lines in hard-to-reach locations.

https://youtu.be/Sr9L2O9IJak

***

UPDATE: March 1, 10 p.m.

Although clear weather spanned much of the service area today, many customers in the Sierra Region are experiencing prolonged power outages during this series of extreme winter storms. With more than 50 inches of snow falling in a 48-hour period at one point this week in some areas, PG&E crews are unable to reach damaged equipment to restore power. We are making areas with these conditions our highest priority, because we know how the loss of power over several days can be increasingly frustrating and difficult to endure. See the video below outlining the severe equipment damage and hard-to-reach locations PG&E crews are facing as they work steadily to restore customers safely and as quickly as possible.

Support: Customers are encouraged to call the California Network of 2-1-1 (www.211.org) to connect with resources in their local communities.

https://youtu.be/eHW2Dr_S2j8

***

UPDATE: March 1, 4:35 p.m.

Fresno Distribution Superintendent Anthony Proctor shared this update from Dunlap today. Dunlap is a foothill community east of Fresno that experienced heavy snowfall and extensive damage. PG&E crews continue to make restoration progress after heavy snowfall overnight in the foothills and the Sierra Nevada.

https://youtu.be/8RVVIj7E108

***

UPDATE: March 1, 2:45 p.m.

Here’s What You Need to Know About How PG&E Restores Customers

“PG&E wants nothing more than to restore service to our customers.”

That’s what Mark Quinlan, PG&E’s EOC Commander in charge of the company’s response to this series of winter storms, said this morning.

Since these storms started on Feb. 21, PG&E has restored service to more than 1.2 million customers. Still, the periods of wet, windy weather have continued, including storms overnight Tuesday that dumped inches of fresh snow in the foothills and even more in the Sierra Nevada.

As of a 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, about 82,000 PG&E customers are without power. More than 450 electric crews and hundreds of other personnel remain on storm duty today.

Here’s a look at PG&E’s restoration process:

After severe weather has passed and crews can safely access the areas , crews inspect the electric system for wind, rain, snow and debris-caused damage to make sure it is safe to turn the power back on.

In some areas, where access is blocked due to deep snow, downed trees, landslides and blocked roads, it can take longer to restore power, debris flows are all likely to occur and pose hazards for crews seeking access.

Restoration is a four-step process::

Patrol – Our crews will work to visually inspect for potential weather-related damage to the lines, poles and towers. This is done by foot, vehicle and air.
Repair – Where equipment damage is found, PG&E crews work to isolate the damaged area from the rest of the system so other parts of the system can be restored.
Restore – Once the poles, towers and lines are safe to energize, PG&E’s Control Center can complete the process and restore power to affected areas.
Notify Customers – Customers are notified that power has been restored.

Typically, PG&E provides an estimated time of restoration (ETOR) once an outage is assessed, so that that estimate can be accurate and specific to the specific damage and outage. Customers get notified of this ETOR via their preferred channels.

However, when there is extensive damage that blocks access to our equipment, it can take an extended period of time – sometimes multiple days – to assess the outage, and that can cause frustration for customers who need information to execute their emergency plans and take appropriate action.

As we continue to assess outages and get more accurate information, we will provide updates. Customers can always search for their address on PG&E’s online outage page or call 1-800-743-5002.

***

UPDATE: March 1, 10 a.m.

Overnight Snowfall Continues to Produce Outages, Tough Conditions for PG&E Crews, But Weather is Improving

PG&E crews continue to battle harsh weather conditions in an effort to restore power to customers safely, and as quickly as possible. Heavy snow continued in the Sierra overnight, with significant accumulations occurring above 2,500 to 3,000 feet. Mid elevations in the Southern and Central Sierra have also received several inches of new snow overnight.

Crews are working day and night in these challenging storm conditions to fix damaged equipment and restore service to customers.

As a result of heavy moisture that occurred overnight, as of Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., about 93,000 customers are without power. The hardest hit counties are El Dorado (21,000 customers), Nevada (16,000 customers) and Tuolumne (10,000 customers).

There’s good news, though. For the first time in a while, the forecast calls for better weather the next three days which should benefit crews as they use aerial patrols and drones to assess damage, make repairs and restore customers.

To support our customers, PG&E is coordinating with its community-based partners. The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers offers support for older adults and people with disabilities through the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program. During this winter storm they are offering hotel stays and food stipends for customers, where that may be the only way to meet their specific need.

Customers are encouraged to call the California Network of 2-1-1 (www.211.org) to connect with resources in their local communities.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 28, 8 p.m.

Winter Storm Conditions Hit Northern and Central California on Tuesday; Accumulating Snow Present Harsh Working Conditions for Crews

Tuesday’s cold winter storm system continued to deliver heavy snow at unusually low elevations across North and Central California.

Crews are working day and night in harsh conditions to restore service to customers affected by the series of wet and windy winter storms. We continue working closely with local and state agencies that manage roadway access, as conditions are constantly changing.

Crews are working day and night in these storm conditions to make repairs and restore outages for customers.

https://youtu.be/TZVlqz1OsVk

As of Tuesday at 8 p.m., about 53,000 customers are without power as a result of today’s weather conditions. The hardest hit areas have been the Sierra (23,000 customers), Stockton (8,000 customers) and Yosemite (9,000 customers) regions.

Supporting our customers and hometowns

Customers are encouraged to call the California Network of 2-1-1 (www.211.org) to connect with resources in their local communities.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 28, 2 p.m.

Winter Storm Conditions Hit Northern and Central California on Tuesday; Accumulating Snow Presenting Access Challenges for Crews

The winter storm system moving across Northern and Central California on Tuesday has delivered wet, cold and windy conditions with heavy snow in some areas.

Harsh conditions and continued snow accumulation in the Sierras on the eastern side of our service area have presented access issues in the form of closed and impassable roads. We continue working closely with local and state agencies that manage roadway access, as conditions are constantly changing.

https://youtu.be/y2VBGMsoLJY

Crews are working day and night in the storm conditions to make repairs and restore outages for customers.

As of Tuesday at 2 p.m., about 67,000 customers are without power, including more than 47,000 new customers without power as a result of today’s weather conditions. The hardest hit areas have been the Sierra (22,000 customers), Stockton (14,000 customers) and Yosemite (10,000 customers) regions.

Since the recent storms started rolling through on Feb. 21, PG&E has restored power to more than 1.1 million customers.

Supporting our customers and hometowns

Customers are encouraged to call the California Network of 2-1-1 to connect with resources in their local communities.

PG&E is providing support to county-run warming centers that are open in the Central Valley and Lake County.

Tuolumne County

Behavioral Health Enrichment Center at 101 Hospital Road, Sonora, CA 95370. Open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (With extended hours Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, if staffing allows).

Mariposa County

Mariposa Senior Center at 5246 Spriggs Lane, Mariposa, CA 95338. Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
El Portal Community Center (Clark Community Hall) at 5570 Foresta Road, El Portal, CA 95318. Open daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Madera County

Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church at 39696 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644. Open daily, 6 p.m.-overnight
Oakhurst Community Center at 3900 Road 425B (Fresno Flats Road), Oakhurst, CA 93614. Operating hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

PG&E has provided each of the warming centers with 200-300 grab-and-go bags, which include a blanket, water, snacks and a portable cell phone charger. Additionally, PG&E has provided generators to the Kelseyville Senior Center and Old Juvenile Hall facilities.

PG&E is also partnering with the following food banks in areas impacted by the storms and extended outages:

Merced County Food Bank (Mariposa County)
Community Action Agency of Butte County
Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley (Santa Clara County)
Second harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
Redwood Empire Food Bank (Humboldt County)
Redwood Empire Food Bank (Lake County)
Central California Food Bank (Fresno County)
Central California Food Bank (Madera County
Community Action Agency of Napa Valley (Napa County)

***

UPDATE: Feb. 28, 10 a.m.

Winter Storm Delivering More Rain, Snow & Wind on Tuesday; PG&E Working Day and Night to Keep the Lights on for Customers

As a winter storm system moves across much of Northern and Central California on Tuesday, many communities in PG&E’s service area will experience wet, cold and windy conditions throughout the day and night with additional snow accumulation in some areas.

Crews are out in full force making repairs in the harsh conditions and working to restore service to customers. The latest waves of weather are also resulting in new outages and access issues. We continue working closely with local and state agencies that manage roadway access. Conditions are constantly changing, especially in areas where snow is falling.

As of Tuesday at 10 a.m., about 46,000 customers are without power — the hardest hit area has been the Sierra region, which has outages impacting more than 16,000 customers.

And the California Network of 2-1-1 can connect customers to resources in their local communities.

Warming Centers

Five new warming centers have been opened in the Central Valley. There are also six county-run warming centers in Lake County.

Tuolumne County
Behavioral Health Enrichment Center at 101 Hospital Road, Sonora, CA 95370. Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (With extended hours Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, if staffing allows).
Mariposa County
Mariposa Senior Center at 5246 Spriggs Lane, Mariposa, CA 95338. Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
El Portal Community Center (Clark Community Hall) at 5570 Foresta Road, El Portal, CA 95318. Open daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Madera County
Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church at 39696 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644. Open daily, 6 p.m.-overnight
Oakhurst Community Center at 3900 Road 425B (Fresno Flats Road), Oakhurst, CA 93614. Operating hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Food Banks

PG&E is also partnering with the following food banks in areas impacted by the storms and extended outages:

Merced County Food Bank (Mariposa County)
Community Action Agency of Butte County
Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley (Santa Clara County)
Second harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
Redwood Empire Food Bank (Humboldt County)
Redwood Empire Food Bank (Lake County)
Central California Food Bank (Fresno County)
Central California Food Bank (Madera County
Community Action Agency of Napa Valley (Napa County)

***

UPDATE: Feb. 27, 7:20 p.m.

As Series of Winter Storms Continue to Batter Northern and Central California, PG&E Supporting Customers

Cold, wet weather continues to move across PG&E’s service area Monday evening. It’s another in a series of storms bringing wind, rain and snow to much of Northern and Central California.

Crews continue to make progress as they make repairs and restore service to customers, but the waves of weather also are resulting in new outages.

As of 7 p.m. Monday, about 43,000 customers are without power with those in Nevada, Madera, Placer and Lake counties most impacted.

And the California Network of 2-1-1 can connect customers to resources in their local communities.

Warming Centers

Five new warming centers have been opened, all in the Central Valley. There are also six county-run warming centers in Lake County.

Tuolumne County
Behavioral Health Enrichment Center at 101 Hospital Road, Sonora, CA 95370. Open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (With extended hours Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, if staffing allows).
Mariposa County
Mariposa Senior Center at 5246 Spriggs Lane, Mariposa, CA 95338. Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
El Portal Community Center (Clark Community Hall) at 5570 Foresta Road, El Portal, CA 95318. Open daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Madera County
Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church at 39696 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644. Open daily, 6 p.m. – Overnight
Oakhurst Community Center at 3900 Road 425B (Fresno Flats Road), Oakhurst, CA 93614. Operating hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Check out this video

PG&E uses every tool in its toolbox to support our customers and restore their power. Check out this video that shows how we use drone technology to replace downed conductor.

https://youtu.be/dMOPZM-7MRY

***

UPDATE: Feb. 27, 3:30 p.m.

Second Wave of Storms Delivers Extreme Weather and Outages on Monday

Monday’s storms brought rain, snow and heavy winds — moving north-to-south through PG&E’s service area. Snow levels are down to near or below 1,000 feet in the north and 1,500-2,500 feet elsewhere with nearly continuous snowfall expected in the mountains/Sierra for the next 24-36 hours. Showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue elsewhere and then taper off tonight across the interior valleys.

There are currently approximately 45,000 customers experiencing power outages. The biggest impacts have been in the North Coast (12,900), North Valley/Sierra (12,000) and Central Valley (11,900) regions. Access issues have limited the ability to make repairs in some areas; however, crews are re-evaluating access conditions regularly.

Since Feb. 21, PG&E crews have restored power to more than 1 million customers.

As crews respond to make repairs and restore customers, preparation continues for the third wave of storms expected to bring heavy snow to the Central Sierra area on Tuesday and Wednesday.

See the National Weather Service Blizzard Conditions map for more detailed information.

The National Weather Service Blizzard Conditions map.

There are 11 warming centers across Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera, and Lake Counties where customers can go during outages for resources and assistance. Find a list of local Warming Centers on the CalOES website.

More than 5,600 PG&E crew members are positioned throughout the service area to support storm response and are work safely and as quickly as possible to conduct assessment and restore service to customers restoring customers safely and as quickly as possible.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 27, 11:30 a.m.

Weather outlook: As expected, the next weather system in the current storm cycle moved ashore and has brought customer outage impacts across the central and northern part of the PG&E service area.

Winter weather in the form of rain and snow will spread across the area today and tonight. Snow is expected in the mountains generally above 1,000-3,000 feet North to South with significant accumulation in Humboldt and most of the Sierra above 1500-2500 feet. Gusty winds will accompany the precipitation today with wind gusts up to 40-45 mph.

The next wave of storms is expected to bring snow and extreme weather on Tuesday and Wednesday, including heavy snow in the Stockton and Yosemite areas.

Currently, about 34,000 customers are without electrical service, and more than 430 crews continue to respond to assess damage and complete restoration efforts. Access issues have limited the ability to make repairs in some areas; however, crews are re-evaluating access conditions regularly. Since Feb. 21, PG&E crews have restored power to more than 1 million customers (1,002,288 customers).

For the latest outage information, please visit www.pge.com/outages.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 26, 9 p.m.

In the Face of More Extreme Winter Storm Activity, PG&E Crews Stand Ready to Restore Customers

As we enter the seventh day of the second major storm series of 2023, PG&E crews continue to work on restoring customers who are experiencing extended outages from the storm activity this past week while preparing for the next wave of extreme winter weather, which has already arrived in some parts of our service area. Peak storm activity is expected Monday through Wednesday morning.

Since Feb. 21, PG&E crews have restored power to more than 950,000 customers. There are currently approximately 36,000 customers experiencing power outages.

On Sunday evening into Monday, a powerful storm will hit parts of the Northern part of our service area, particularly in Humboldt County, Sacramento and Stockton areas, with low elevation snowfall expected. The storm will continue moving south on Tuesday and Wednesday and forecasts show that it will likely exit our service area on Thursday.

See the National Weather Service Blizzard Conditions map for more detailed information.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 26, 3 p.m.

As some customers across PG&E’s service area enjoyed clearer skies today, it’s time to get prepared for the next storm that’s predicted to move across Northern and Central California late tonight and early tomorrow. For tips on storm safety and preparedness, visit PG&E's Safety Action Center.

PG&E crews continue to work to assess damage and restore service to customers in hard-hit areas, which were battered this week by winter storms that brought strong winds and snow levels lower than typical. We understand the importance of electricity to you and your family. Your comfort, warmth and safety are our priority.

WATCH: To learn more about the ongoing restoration efforts in Lake County.

https://youtu.be/BXYadYdoZ30

***

UPDATE: Feb. 26, 12 p.m.

Crews continue to restore customers impacted by a series of storms that brought strong winds, heavy rain and snow. Over 970,000 customers have been impacted by outages during the weather event, and crews have restored more than 97% of the outages, the vast majority within six hours. PG&E is focused on restoring those in hard-hit areas that have been experiencing extended outages while preparing for the incoming weather.

More Severe Weather Expected: PG&E Meteorology and the National Weather Service forecast more severe weather entering PG&E’s service area Sunday night and Monday and delivering more low-elevation snow and strong winds. Customers are urged to stay safe and remain prepared. For tips, visit PG&E Safety Action Center (pge.com).

Resources: PG&E partners with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers to offer support for older adults and people with disabilities through the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program, as well as the California Network of 2-1-1, which can connect customers to resources in their local communities.

Watch: California has every type of terrain and when severe weather moves in, it can present some challenges with restoration. PG&E crews understand that extended outages can be frustrating for customers, and are working safely and as quickly as possible to get the power back on.

https://youtu.be/z1vk-kwXZRo

***

UPDATE: Feb. 25, 10:15 p.m.

Restoration Progress Continues, Access Remains a Challenge in Some Areas

Crews took advantage of the temporary break between storms to make progress on assessments, repairs and restoration. Since Feb. 21, power has been restored to more than 882,000 customers. As of this evening, there are approximately 42,000 customers without power, most of whom are located in the North Coast, Central/Southern Sierra, and South Coast regions. As of today, more than 5,547 crew members are supporting storm restoration and response efforts. They identified 247 poles and 203 transformers that were damaged by the storm.

Crews are facing access challenges in areas hit hardest by snow, wind, and rain.

Crews encountered road closures on major highways like US 101 in the North and SR 198 in Monterey County. In some instances, crews have been unable to reach damaged poles and power lines by vehicle or on foot. In one area of Humboldt County, plans are being developed to transport crews in by helicopter, along with equipment and other resources to dig and install new poles and line.

In other areas, crews are encountering roadways with downed trees and heavy snow that must be cleared to bring in crews and equipment to support repair and restoration work.

Forecasts shared by PG&E Meteorologists and the National Weather Service show the next storm will enter PG&E’s service area Sunday night and Monday and deliver more low elevation snow and strong winds. With another round of extreme weather on the horizon, customers are urged to stay safe and remain prepared. For tips, visit PG&E Safety Action Center (pge.com).

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UPDATE: Feb. 25, 3:15 p.m.

PG&E crews continue to work to assess damage and restore service to customers in Lake County, which was battered this week by winter storms that brought strong winds and snow levels lower than typical.

As of 1:30 p.m., approximately 19,300 customers remained without power in Lake County. In the past 24 hours, PG&E has restored service to approximately 12,000 Lake County customers.

Read full story here.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 25, 1:30 p.m.

PG&E Meteorologist Scott Strenfel provides an update on the next waves of weather headed to Northern and Central California. He discusses PG&E’s latest weather forecast and offers insight on the impending storms that will roll in on Monday, February 27. The storms are expected to have impacts all across PG&E’s service area. Many locations will see low snow levels—as low as sea level in some places. Scott explains the underlying factors that contributed to these conditions. See our network of PG&E cameras with snow culmination.

https://youtu.be/uW-jwxnGPq0

***

UPDATE: Feb. 24, 10:30 p.m.

As of 10:00 p.m. Feb. 24, 2023, PG&E has restored power to more than 774,196 customers since the storm arrived in our service area on Feb. 21.

Currently, there are approximately 66,000 PG&E customers without power, with most residing in areas where the storm delivered high wind gusts, snow accumulation, rain and freezing temperatures but access remains a challenge in some of these areas where assessments are repairs are necessary to begin the restoration process. The safety of our customers and the communities we serve is our most important responsibility and more than 4,300 crew members are positioned to respond once they can safely access impacted areas to conduct assessments.

Presently, crews have identified 277 poles and 145 transformers that were damaged by the storm.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.

Customer resources for extended power outages

With significant winter weather impacting much of California including strong winds, heavy rain and snow and freezing temperatures, PG&E is coordinating with its community-based partners to offer support to customers in need.

PG&E partners with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers to offer support for older adults and people with disabilities through the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program. As well, as the California Network of 2-1-1 who can connect customers to resources in their local communities.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has opened warming centers across the PG&E Service Area where customers can go and stay warm or charge devices. Find a list of local Warming Centers on the CalOES website.

PG&E has also secured hotel discounts for customers who are experiencing extended outages due to the series of winter storms impacting Northern and Central California. Learn more about these discounts here.

You can also visit our Safety Action Center for more storm safety information.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 24, 4 p.m.

As of 3:00 p.m., more than 630,000 impacted customers have their power back on. More than 4,700 PG&E employees are working safely and as quickly as possible to restore the remaining power outages. To learn more about the restoration progress and what customers in the hardest hit areas should expect going into the weekend, watch this video with Jan Nimick, Vice President, Power Generation.

https://youtu.be/EHZ9KqgqATg

***

UPDATE: Feb. 24, 2:30 p.m

Long duration outages can be frustrating and even dangerous for our customers, but sometimes exceptional circumstances make it hard to get the power back on. Yesterday, 9 lanes of traffic across highway 101 had to be closed down for almost two hours before we finally restored power to thousands of customers in the Menlo Park, East Palo Alto and Belle Haven areas. As Crew Foreman Ben Benton says: ”Every night we don’t restore all the power is a terrible feeling. The goal is to get the lights back on.

https://youtu.be/L8F86ZVNfYI

***

UPDATE: Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m

Another major winter storm descended on California, and entered the PG&E service area Thursday evening bringing snow, rain and wind – with additional impacts expected through Saturday morning.

Weather Update

Northern areas including Ukiah, Eureka, Humboldt, Redding, Red Bluff all have significant snow accumulation and were hit hard by the early stages of this storm.

Snow is also expected to accumulate in some rare or uncommon locations, including sea level locations along the North Coast, the floor of the Sacramento Valley, Lake County, the Santa Cruz mountains, Santa Clara Valley foothills, the East Bay Hills and the coastal ranges in Central California.

Strong winds will continue through the morning over the Central Valley and Sierra foothills before diminishing.

This severe winter storm is resulting in trees, limbs and other debris falling into powerlines, damaging equipment, and interrupting electric service. As of 10:00 a.m. roughly 108,000 customers are currently without power. PG&E currently has more than 450 crews assessing damage and working to restore customers. We conduct assessments and restoration as soon as it is safe for crews to do so. Areas with extensive damage or safety hazards, are likely to take longer to assess and restore.

The storm is coming in waves and more outages are expected. Even if you have power, please prepare in case your service is interrupted by the weather. Look online for the latest PG&E outage information.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 23, 10:30 p.m.

The current weather system is bringing extensive wind, rain and snow to most of PG&E’s service area. For customers in need of emergency support resources, PG&E is partnering with the 211 Network, which can provide information on community services in your area. Customers can call 211 or search online at Your Local 211 | United Way 211. All queries are confidential.

PG&E is partnering with the 211 Network, which can provide information on community services in your area. Customers can call 211 or search online.

PG&E has safely restored power to more than 422,000 customers since the first wave of the storm began on Feb. 21. PG&E continues working around the clock to make repairs to damaged lines and equipment and restore power. More than 2,800 crew members and resources are positioned to respond to the next wave of severe weather events, which is bringing strong winds, heavy rain and snow that will likely cause damage to electric infrastructure leading to power outages for some customers.

Visit PG&E’s online outage center for real-time outage information.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m.

More extreme weather (wind, rain, low elevation snow) is expected tonight and for the next several days. Customers are strongly urged to be prepared. To learn more about the upcoming storm, watch this video with Evan Duffey from PG&E’s Meteorology Team.

https://youtu.be/VRAM_N1p6Cg

***

UPDATE: Feb. 23, 1:30 p.m.

As of 1:30 p.m., approximately 33,000 customers were without power. More than 400 PG&E crews are working safely and as quickly as possible to restore the remaining power outages. To learn more about the upcoming storm, and how PG&E is preparing, watch this video with Jan Nimick, vice president, Power Generation.

https://youtu.be/u4ynEJeEQSI

***

UPDATE: Feb. 23, 10:30 a.m.

As of 10:30 a.m, approximately 35,000 customers were without power following the first wave of a strong winter storm, which brought extreme winds to PG&E’s service area. PG&E crews safely restored more than 97% of impacted customers so far and are working to respond to remaining power outages safely and as quickly as possible.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 22, 10 p.m.

Work continues on restoration for the 34,079 customers who remain without power following the first wave of the storm, which brought extreme winds to PG&E’s service area.

Preparing for the next wave of the storm

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for large portions of PG&E’s service area. PG&E’s meteorology team is also closely monitoring the storm’s development, with forecasts indicating that hazardous weather—including wind, rain, low elevation snow, accumulating snow above 1,000 feet and downed trees — is expected for significant portions of PG&E’s service area on Thursday and Friday.

PG&E has been preparing for this storm, including the use of outage prediction models to determine the potential timing, location and number of power outages. Using this information, crews and equipment (power poles, power lines, transformers, etc.) have been prepositioned in key locations to support response, repair, and restoration work.

The historic nature of this storm is expected to cause damage to power lines and equipment, resulting in power outages. Extended outages are possible in areas where crews are faces access challenges.

When PG&E crews are able to gain access to safely make repairs, this process is followed to restore power. (NOTE: In some areas, storm-related damages can hinder accessibility for crews to safely conduct assessments and repairs necessary for restoration. Extended outages may occur as result of access challenges.)

Please make necessary preparations to be safe. If you plan to use a generator, take caution when operating and secure its location in a well-ventilated area.

If you see a downed power line, assume it’s energized and extremely dangerous. Call 9-1-1- first and then notify PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 22, 7 p.m.

PG&E understands the challenges our customers experiencing extended outages are facing. We are working around the clock to get power restored. Since Tuesday, when high winds swept through our service area, we’ve experienced 305,784 outages. We’ve restored 299,364 customers — 77% of them within six hours. As of 7 p.m., 40,103 customers are without power, with more than 75% of them in San Mateo (22,585) and Santa Cruz (8,445) counties. PG&E has deployed more than 2,800 crew members to support response and restoration efforts, with an additional 30 focusing on supporting customers with prolonged outages. As of 4 p.m. today, PG&E has identified 125 power poles and 84 transformers damaged because of the storm. (PHOTO: A tree on a South San Francisco hillside was uprooted during Tuesday's high winds. The fallen tree brought down wires, broke a power pole in half, damaged a transformer and landed on a home.)

***

UPDATE: Feb. 22, 2 p.m.

PG&E is in the process of restoring power safely and as quickly as possible to the remaining 65,000 customers who have been impacted by the high winds yesterday and today. Crews are also preparing for low-elevation snow expected to arrive tomorrow and Friday. Snow loading on tree species not accustomed to snowfall could result in trees falling and branches breaking and impacting power lines. Customers can view real-time outage information at PG&E’s online outage center and are encouraged to review storm safety tips.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 22, 11 a.m.

Since this winter storm started impacting our service area Tuesday morning (Feb. 21), PG&E has mobilized 2,800 resources to support our response and restoration effort. More than 97% of our impacted customers were restored within 12 hours. Check out this video and learn more from Angie Gibson, Vice President of Emergency Preparedness and Response, at the PG&E Emergency Operations Center in Vacaville.

https://youtu.be/ago0wgmdJ2Y

***

UPDATE: Feb. 21, 10 p.m.

As of 10 p.m., approximately 154,000 customers are without power in PG&E’s service area as heavy northwest winds impact electric equipment. More than 124,000 customers have been restored since 6 a.m.

PG&E crews will continue working through the night, safely and as quickly as possible to restore customers.

***

UPDATE: Feb. 21, 6:15 p.m.

As of 6 p.m., approximately 167,000 customers are without power in PG&E’s service area as heavy northwest winds impact electric equipment. Snow levels are expected to drop rapidly into Wednesday morning and may be as low as 500 feet, perhaps even reaching sea level, in localized spots on the North Coast and 1,000-2,000 feet along the Sierra Nevada.

Customer Storm Preparedness and Safety Tips

PG&E encourages customers to have a plan, prepare for power outages and above all else, stay safe.
Customers can get updates on outages in their neighborhood through a variety of channels.

Access our Electric Outage Map online at pge.com/outages
Contact our outage information line at 1-800-743-5002
Customers can also log-in to their account through pge.com and sign up to receive proactive outage alerts through email, text or phone.

***

Original story published Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m.

PG&E is mobilizing personnel ahead of a significant cold and windy winter storm that will arrive in coastal areas this afternoon and move across much of Northern and Central California Wednesday and into Thursday, bringing with it snow fall as low as 500 to 1,000 feet in some areas.

The incoming adverse weather could result in trees, limbs and other debris falling into powerlines, damaging equipment and interrupting electric service.

“We encourage customers to prepare for the storm now,” said Angie Gibson, vice president, PG&E Emergency Preparedness & Response. “Have an emergency plan in case you lose power and update your contact information on PG&E’s website so we can provide you with real-time updates on outages in your neighborhood.”

Poised to respond to outages are PG&E electric crews, troublemen, distribution line technicians and system inspectors who serve as the utility’s first responders, along with personnel who will monitor electric incidents for public safety.

In addition, PG&E has opened its Emergency Operations Center and local operations emergency centers in impacted regions to more efficiently allocate crews, materials and other resources to restoration efforts. 

The company is using its storm outage prediction models that help determine the potential timing, location, and number of power outages. The models allow the company to have extra crews on standby to deploy to areas hard hit by the storm. PG&E is also prestaging power poles, powerlines, transformers, and other electric equipment at yards throughout its service area to restore power to affected areas safely and as quickly as possible.

Predictions for Incoming Weather

This cold front is expected bring wind gusts of 40-55 mph along the coast and in portions of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys with other areas seeing winds around 30-40 mph. Winds are forecasted to dissipate across the interior late tonight and Wednesday morning.

Precipitation is forecasted for today as showers will accompany the winds in Humboldt and the Sierra Nevada crest. Snow levels will rapidly drop into Wednesday morning and may be as low as 500 feet, perhaps even reaching the ocean in localized spots in the north. In the Sierra, snow levels could be as low as 1,000-2,000 feet through Thursday before lifting slightly in the south on Friday.

Snow accumulations late tonight into tomorrow morning in Humboldt will be significant. Snowfall will range from a coating in spots at sea level, increasing to 4-6 inches at 1,000 feet and up to a foot in the higher terrain of Humboldt north. This storm could bring snow loading on tree species not accustomed to snowfall, resulting in trees falling and branches breaking and impacting power lines.

More significant moisture wraps around the storm system Thursday into Friday, focused on the north coast on Thursday and shifting to the interior and the south on Friday. Snow will continue in the southern Sierra on Saturday during the morning hours before exiting in the afternoon.

A weak system may bring some rain and snow showers to the north on Sunday with another system pushing through the territory next Monday and Tuesday.

Based on the current forecast, this storm won’t have the same impact as the historic series of atmospheric river storms that hit Northern and Central California in late December and early January. In that storm, more than 7,200 PG&E, contract and mutual-aid personnel were on duty, working to restore power to more than 2.8 million customers. More than 95% of those customers had their power restored in 24 hours or less.

Keeping Customers Informed

Customers can view real-time outage information at PG&E’s online outage center and search by a specific address, by city or by county. This site has been updated to include support in 16 languages.

Additionally, customers can sign up for outage notifications by text, email, or phone. PG&E will let customers know the cause of an outage, when crews are on their way, the estimated restoration time and when power has been restored.

Storm Safety Tips

Never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 9-1-1 and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
Use generators safely: Customers with standby electric generators should ensure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as crews working on powerlines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.
Use flashlights, not candles: During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights and not candles, due to the risk of fire. And keep extra batteries on hand. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, animals and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
Have a backup phone: If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone or answering machine, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup. Having a portable charging device helps to keep your cell phone running.
Have fresh drinking water and ice: Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer to prevent food spoilage.
Turn off appliances: If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns.
Safely clean up: After the storm has passed, be sure to safely clean up. Never touch downed wires and always call 8-1-1 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days before digging to have all underground utilities safely marked.

Other tips can be found at: Safety and Preparedness, Storm Safety, and Safety Action Center.

Crews Continue Restoration Efforts as Winter Storms Linger

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